Travel

Located 40 minutes south of Milan in the Lombardy region of Italy and across the river from Pavia sits the region of Oltrepò Pavese, which means “on...

23 October, 2013
San Francisco is filled with great cocktail bars and talented bartenders. As work takes me to San Francisco on a regular basis, I get to try new places, and re-visit others, all the time.  But, on one particular weekend, we went on a “bar tour” and here is what we managed to cover in 2 days! The Buena Vista 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109 Located at the end of Fisherman’s Wharf, this bar has a menu that will please anyone looking for a refreshing cocktail or a boost of caffeine. With a number of specialty drinks ranging from Irish Coffee to Bull Shots, you are sure to get your fix of liquid courage. The Buena Vista also has a full beer menu, including their very own Buena Vista Café Pilsner. This bar has sought to recreate a classic Irish Coffee menu in addition to other spirited cocktail offerings.
27 August, 2013
As the saying goes, big things do come in small packages-and this is certainly true in regards to one of the densest of small cities. Made up of approximately 7 x 7 square miles, the city of San Francisco is home to a number of distinctively diverse districts, landmarks and some of California’s best real estate. If the vibrant Golden Gate doesn’t lure you in, then maybe its array of food and culture will, as we can all agree that San Francisco has some of the best food Northern California has to offer. Repeated visits to San Francisco has enabled me to try new restaurants each visit.  Here are some of the top stops from the past few months. Hog Island Oyster Bar The Ferry Building Marketplace, One Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111  
27 August, 2013
The cocktail scene in Washington DC is one of the best in the country. With names like Derek Brown and Todd Thrasher who led the charge, there is so much talent in the city today. On a recent visit to DC, my cocktail guide, and local bartender, Rico Wisner led me from bar to bar as we drank our way through the city. Here are some of the highlights (although this is just a short list of some of the best bars): Barmini  855 E St NW (between N 9th St & N 8th St), Washington, DC 20004   Barmini is Chef José's Andres’ culinary cocktail lab in the space adjoining his restaurant Minibar. More than one hundred artisan cocktails are crafted and served with the same care and attention to detail as the dishes at minibar. Like all of Jose Andres’ creations, barmini is like nothing you’ve seen before and each cocktail is a work of art. Barmini has set the bar high for avant-garde cocktails.
24 August, 2013
It’s no secret that Santa Barbara Wine Country is home to some of the best wineries on the coast of California. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in all the wine. But if you're planning a trip to Santa Barbara wine country, there is one destination you can’t miss out on – the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Lompoc Wine Ghetto is definitely the perfect destination for those looking to get the most out of their time. Lompoc is located northwest of Santa Barbara near the Highway 1 and 246 intersection. Lompoc has 18 tasting rooms featuring some renowned wines and vineyards. It is recommended to spend more than one day here but you can get alot covered in one day. The tasting rooms are generally open Thursday through Sunday, starting at 11:00 am, with a few rooms open on Mondays.
22 August, 2013
Looking for a day trip from Los Angeles?  Heading up to Santa Barbara wine country is always a great option! It will be a full day but there is alot you can do. Start the morning off with a drive up the coast. Take the 101 freeway to CA-246 exit toward Lompoc/Solvang which is approximately 130 miles north of LA.  After the drive, you may be ready for a hearty breakfast and there is one joint that is sure to please your appetite. Ellen’s Danish Pancake House 272 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton, CA 93427 Located around the corner in Buellton, CA, Ellen’s Danish Pancake House is a family owned restaurant that is sure to curb your hunger. This full service American and Danish restaurant has a wide array of menu choices from their famous Danish pancakes, to savory steaks and seafood. Ellen’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. They also serve homemade jams, salad dressings, and offer daily specials. After breakfast, head 15 minutes to Santa Ynez and start wine tasting.
22 August, 2013
Paso Robles is a premier Wine Country destination, located off the coast of California in San Luis Obispo County and known for its wineries, olive oil and orchards.  For a weekend trip or as a stop along the drive up the coast, Paso Robles is a destination you don’t want to miss. Along our travels, here are some of our favorite spots that are sure to please your wanderlust.
21 August, 2013
When most people think wine country, the first thing that comes to mind is Napa Valley. Located North of San Francisco, Napa is home to some of California’s best wineries. With miles of vineyards everywhere you look, it’s hard to escape wine country without indulging in a few bottles of wine. Rolling hills, spas, boutique hotels, farmer’s markets, and eclectic antique stores surround Napa. But it wouldn’t be a rightful visit without tasting some local wineries first! Schramberg Estate (1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, CA 94515) Visiting this next winery is like experiencing a piece of Napa history. Nestled away in the hills of Diamond Mountain, the Schramsberg estate is known to be the first hillside winery of the Napa Valley. Founded in 1862, this winery in home to 218 acres and is a registered historical landmark. The wide spread acres are made up of the Victorian house, the winery, a barn and even include caves. Schramsberg’s history goes beyond its old grounds and family ties. After the Blanc de Blancs was used for President Nixon’s 1972 “Toast to Peace”, the Schramsberg sparkling wines have been used at official State functions by every U.S. Presidential administration since.  Open daily from 10am-4:30pm. Reservations recommended for tours through the caves.
20 August, 2013
One of my favorite weekend getaways is to Sonoma. Making Healdsburg the home base, it is centrally located between the Dry Creek Valley (known for Zinfandel) and the Russian River Valley (known for Pinot Noir). With two days in the area, spend a day in each valley, but if you have more time, it's even better!  Here are some of my favorite wineries to visit: Russian River Valley  Arista Winery  7015 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 If you are looking for a divine Russan River Valley Pinot Noir, then look no further than Arista Winery. Founded by the McWilliams family in 2002, they have dedicated themselves to working with local growers and practice sustainable farming. Beyond amazing wines, the vineyard boasts beautiful Japanese water gardens, mountain and vineyard vistas and a traditional tasting room. The tranquil environment is perfect for picnics, gatherings and intimate tastings. Hours: Mon-Sun 11am-5pm     
19 August, 2013
Show more
Loading...
Copied!